Page 5
“Let us take our visitors somewhere out of the sun and provide them with refreshments and then I will give you and you alone a full understanding of the language situation.”
Interesting.
Was his stronger tone a change from having a mate or from being around the humans?
“There is a tent with food available for them behind the gate.”
His plan was logical and walking around to the tent gave me time to study the changes in his behavior but it did not give me any additional information on the human bonding rituals. Toman was remarkably stubborn about the topic. It must have something to do with his mate because I was beginning to think the odd expressions he was making at me had something to do with the new information Toman was reluctant to share.
What had the humans taught our people?
We had always been more advanced than them because of our magic. How had they developed something Toman could not explain?
Waiting to get everyone settled with food and drinks was the polite way to handle the situation but that did not make it enjoyable. I was patient, however, even when Toman seemed to be deliberately delaying discussing the topic.
“Please follow me.”
Toman’s strange behavior extended to leading me away from the tent, but I followed as we left the rest of our people behind. Everyone was watching us, even those trying to be subtle, but he led us far enough away we wouldn’t be overheard.
“We do not have the same vocabulary, so this is not something that can be translated simply.”
Toman was ready to give me the information but reluctance was showing in his tone.
“Without magic their bonding rituals must be simple. I am sure we can find a way to explain it.”
Earth could not have changed as much as he seemed to be indicating.
Toman let out a long breath that was very Earth-like if I was reading their actions correctly.
“Next time I have to explain this, I’m bringing one of the diner men.”
Most of his words did not translate well and his other Earth mannerisms did not help me to understand the problem. Thankfully, he continued without making me guess his meaning.
“Many of our people on Earth have chosen to participate in relationships where one party is considered dominant and the other submits to them. There are rules and roles that define the relationships, much like those that focus on the ancestors.”
He paused but I simply waited because it was not enough information to understand what he meant.
Dominant?
One mate was aggressive and one was passive?
Dragons were rarely passive, were the mages always the ones to submit? The humans? What of someone with mixed ancestry?
“Submissive mates require rules and attention to feel fulfilled and content in a relationship. Dominant mates provide structure and attention that goes beyond what is considered typical of a mate bond.”
In what manner?
Our people had what I thought would be considered equal mates even when they were dissimilar.
“This is not enough information on the specifics of the rituals. Mates generally have different personalities to complement each other. Please give a typical example.”
Toman’s level of agitation was startling as his shoulders tightened.
“Mates generally do not require spankings or mate rules related to sexual behavior.”
What?
Was it possible we used that word differently?
